Here we gain an insight into how Wallace writes articles,
through his advice to Violet. He strongly suggests that she
prepares notes so that she can publish articles on German schools
and teaching methods. Violet spent a year away from her job as a
primary school teacher to learn the language in Germany and to
study the education system.

Wallace was keen for Violet to use her experience productively
and gave her the following advice: 'First arrange a plan. Teachers
and their qualifications, salaries, hours of school in each grade
etc etc...write it all, just as if it was a letter to me, giving me
all this information for my instruction...I will read, and
criticise etc'.

Though well-meaning, he is rather overbearing in his
instructions. As if realising this, he squeezes in a last sentence,
writing 'this is a suggestion only - but follow some plan'.